2025 NCAAF Top WR Rankings: Breaking Down the Elite Receivers Beyond Jeremiah Smith

A deep dive into college football's elite receivers for 2025, featuring Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Alabama's Ryan Williams, and other rising stars reshaping the game.

The Unanimous #1: Jeremiah Smith's Dominance Continues

The Ohio State phenom wasn't just the consensus top receiver in our poll - he was the only unanimous selection across all our 2025 preseason position rankings. Smith's freshman campaign (76 rec, 1,315 yds, 16 TDs) exceeded unprecedented hype, earning him:

  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year
  • Conference Receiver of the Year
  • Early Heisman Trophy buzz

At 6'3", 215 lbs with elite body control, Smith represents the prototype modern WR. His 12 games with touchdowns included eight multi-score performances, terrorizing defenses with his:

✅ Elite route-running ✅ Contested-catch ability ✅ Yards-after-catch burst

The SEC's Answer: Ryan Williams' Explosive Potential

Alabama's freshman sensation showed why he was the No. 2 overall recruit in 2024:

  • 18.0 yards per reception (5th nationally)
  • 5 catches of 50+ yards (T-4th)
  • Game-winning TD vs Georgia

With new OC Ryan Grubb importing Washington's explosive passing concepts, Williams could see his 2024 numbers (865 yds, 10 TDs) skyrocket.

Transfer Portal Gems Making Noise

Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

  • FCS → FBS success story
  • 1,101 yards after missing 2023 with injury
  • Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year

Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)

  • Saint Francis (FCS) → JMU → Hoosiers
  • 18.1 yards per catch (Top 10 nationally)
  • Key piece in Indiana's playoff run

Speedsters Changing Games

Player School 100m Time 2024 Stats
Eric Singleton Jr. Auburn 10.32 754 yds, 3 TDs
Evan Stewart Oregon 10.45 5 scores
Bryant Wesco Clemson -- 17.3 yds/catch

Teams With Multiple Standouts

  1. Ohio State: Smith + Carnell Tate (733 yds)
  2. Clemson: Antonio Williams (12 TDs) + Wesco
  3. Auburn: Singleton + Cam Coleman (#3 recruit)

2025 Breakout Candidates

  • Cam Coleman (Auburn): 5-star freshman
  • Zachariah Branch (Georgia): USC transfer
  • Dakorien Moore (Oregon): Top 2025 recruit

"The receiver position has never been deeper in college football" - ESPN Analyst

Complete Rankings Breakdown

  1. Jeremiah Smith (OSU) - 100 pts
  2. Ryan Williams (BAMA) - 82
  3. Jordyn Tyson (ASU) - 68
  4. Elijah Sarratt (IU) - 46
  5. Eric Singleton (AUB) - 40
  6. Antonio Williams (CLEM) - 30
  7. Evan Stewart (ORE) - 29
  8. Bryant Wesco (CLEM) - 21
  9. Carnell Tate (OSU) - 19
  10. Kevin Concepcion (TAMU) - 19

Also receiving votes: LSU's Nic Anderson, Georgia's Zach Branch, Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Bottom Line

The 2025 season showcases:

  • Historic freshman classes
  • Portal success stories
  • Speed revolutionizing offenses With NFL teams increasingly valuing WRs early in drafts, these playmakers will dominate both college and draft discourse.

What to Read Next

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP

Heather Dinich breaks down the 32 teams with the best chances to make the 2025 College Football Playoff, using ESPN Analytics and insights from coaches.

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next
NCAAF

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next

A comprehensive look at the major developments in college football recruiting during the summer of 2025, including key commitments and the impact of revenue sharing.

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025
NCAAF

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025

Explore the top 4 College Football Playoff bets for the 2025 season, including insights on Iowa, Kansas State, South Carolina, and Texas.

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games

Explore the 2025 NCAAF schedule, highlighting the toughest matchups, easiest paths, and must-see games for the upcoming season.

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports
NCAAF

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports

The College Sports Commission has revised its NIL payment rules, impacting how student-athletes and collectives operate in NCAAF.

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree
NCAAF

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree

Rutgers University appoints Keli Zinn as the new athletic director, bringing strategic leadership and a robust vision to elevate the Scarlet Knights' athletic programs.

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions

Explore which NCAAF teams are set to build on their 2024 success or rebound from disappointing seasons in 2025, with detailed analysis and SP+ projections.

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History
NCAAF

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History

Explore the most iconic and chaotic alternate uniforms in NCAAF history, from retro designs to bold experiments that left a lasting impact.

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations
NCAAF

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations

Purdue Boilermakers address the alleged playbook leak by Tahj Ra-El, calling it a mischaracterization. Learn more about the controversy and its impact.

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition
NCAAF

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition

Explore the vibrant world of college football mascots, from iconic characters to unique traditions that define the spirit of NCAAF.

Top 25 NCAAF Teams: Critical Games That Will Shape the 2025 Season
NCAAF

Top 25 NCAAF Teams: Critical Games That Will Shape the 2025 Season

Discover the pivotal games for each top 25 NCAAF team that could define their 2025 season. From high-stakes nonconference battles to crucial league matchups, these games are must-watch.

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship

Explore the critical questions and challenges facing the top 14 teams vying for the 2025 College Football Playoff crown. Insights on key players, strategies, and what it takes to win.

Tony Petitti Advocates for Michigan: Sign-Stealing Scandal Penalties Deemed Sufficient
NCAAF

Tony Petitti Advocates for Michigan: Sign-Stealing Scandal Penalties Deemed Sufficient

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti argues that Michigan football has faced enough penalties in the sign-stealing scandal, urging the NCAA to reconsider further sanctions.

American Conference Rebrands with New Mascot 'Soar' and Modernized Website
NCAAF

American Conference Rebrands with New Mascot 'Soar' and Modernized Website

The American Athletic Conference rebrands as the 'American Conference' with new mascot 'Soar' and a modernized website, aiming for clarity and modern identity.

The Great Debate: SEC vs. Big Ten on NCAAF Playoff Expansion
NCAAF

The Great Debate: SEC vs. Big Ten on NCAAF Playoff Expansion

The SEC and Big Ten clash over the future of the NCAAF playoff format, with debates on expanding to 16 teams and the implications for the sport.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.